Ten Tips for Giving an Interview

If a reporter is on hold on your phone, in your lobby or on the way over, take three deep breaths, visualize a calm place (the beach usually works for us) and consider the following:

An interview is NOT a conversation – the only one “sharing” is you, so you control the message!

Honesty is the ONLY policy – if you cannot tell the truth for matters of confidentiality, say so and move to another item of interest for the reporter.

People remember the ANSWER, not the question. Rephrasing a bad (or negative question) only underscores the issue. Start the answer with a positive statement and move on to the issue (or to another issue.)

Turn a negative into positive (Consider the difference it might have made had former President Nixon said “I have been completely honest with the American people” and not “I am not a crook”; although then refer back to point #2 and #3.)

Never say “No comment” – use the opportunity to make a point that is positive, even if it does not address the question asked.

Nothing is “off the record” – understand the reporter has a job to do.